euthanasia laws

Euthanasia laws vary by country and region, but generally, they govern the deliberate ending of a person's life to relieve suffering, often in cases of terminal illness. Some places permit voluntary euthanasia, where the patient consents, while others allow physician-assisted dying, where a doctor provides the means but the patient administers it. Strict legal criteria typically include confirmed terminal diagnosis, mental competence, and explicit consent. Non-voluntary or involuntary euthanasia—without patient consent—is largely illegal. These laws aim to balance compassion for suffering with ethical considerations and the protection of vulnerable individuals.